Card construction



INVENTOR. Qoberi L Jdzenzd R. L. KUENZEL CARD CONSTRUCTION M J it 1 :EEM g. Jfi:: 0 w w Nov. 28, 1967 Filed Sept. 22, 1966 13y ATTORNEYS 1967 R. KUENZEL 3,354,560

CARD CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 22, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Nov. 28, 1967 3,354,560 CARI) CONSTRUQTIGN Robert L. Kuenzel, 2661 Kenilworth, Wilmette, Iii. 60091 Filed Sept. 22, 1966, Ser. No. 581,358 12 Claims. (CI. 35-26) This application is a continuation-in-part ofapplicants copending application Ser. No. 502,029, filed Oct. 22, 1965, now abandoned.

This invention relates to a card construction which embodies certain unique features. The card construction is particularly suitable for use as a greeting card or the like although the features of the construction also make the card useful for other purposes. More specifically, the card construction embodies features which enable the recipient of the card to draw figures in a unique manner. Accordingly, the card can be used as a greeting card or it can be purchased as a gift or the like and, in either case, the card is characterized by an amusement value.

It is one object of this invention to provide a card construction which combines the features of a greeting card with amusement features.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a card construction which can be used simply for amusement purposes and which can also be used as a greeting card.

These and other objects of this invention will appear hereinafter and for purposes of illustration, but not of limitation, specific embodiments of this invention are shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a blank illustrating the features of the card construction;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred form of the card construction after use;

FIGURE 3 is a plan view of a blank illustrating an alternative form of the invention;

FIGURE 4 is an illustration of an envelope construction adapted to be employed in combination with the card construction of this invention;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a modified version of the construction of this invention; and,

FIGURE 6 is a plan view of a blank suitable for the construction of FIGURE 5.

The card construction of this invention generally comprises a main body portion having flap portions associated therewith. The flap portions are adapted to be selectively placed in overlying relationship with respect to the main body portion. A plurality of the flap portions is provided with stencil openings whereby the respective flap portions can be employed for drawing figures on the main body portion. The drawings provided by the respective flap portions provide a composite of the figures defined by the respective stencil openings whereby a comosite figure is formed on the main body portion.

The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred forms of the instant invention. FIGURE 1 illustrates a blank it which includes a main body portion 12. A plurality of flap portions 14 are associated with the main body portion, and each of these flap portions defines stencil openings 16.

In the construction of the invention shown in FIGURE 1, the flap portions and the main body portion are formed integrally in a onepiece blank. Additional portions 18, 20 and 22 are formed in this blank and the flap portions and main body portion are interconnected by means of these additional portions. As will be explained, the additional portions 13, 20 and 22 are utilized to form a frame after a figure is drawn on the main body portion.

The lines interconnecting the respective portions of the construction are preferably scored to facilitate folding. In the use of the construction shown in FIGURE 1, each of the individual flap portions 14 is adapted to be folded into overlying relationship with respect to the main body portion 12. One of the flap portions 14 is folded into place, and a drawing is formed on the main body portion in accordance with the stencil openings defined by this flap portion. This first flap portion is then moved out of position and a second one of the flap portions is brought into overlying relationship. Since the stencil openings in this second fiap portion form a different pattern, the additional material formed on the main body portion will be in a different position than the first figures formed.

The respective flap portions are each individually brought into position in the manner described and the respective stencil openings are, therefore, employed for forming a composite drawing. It will be appreciated that each of the drawings made with the respective flaps may be of a different color. Therefore, a multicolored figure will result. In this connection, the card construction may be manufactured with specific colors suggested for each of the fiap portions. The resulting composite drawing will be the best combination of colors for the subject involved.

The frame arrangement shown in FIGURE 2 is adapted to be formed with the blank of FIGURE 1. This is accomplished by first removing the respective flap portions along the lines 24. Perforations may be formed along these lines or the flap portions may be cut off.

The portions 18, 2G and 22 are then folded along the score lines 26, 28 and 34?. When so folded, the portion 18 will form the side walls of the frame. The portion 20 forms the upper walls while the portion 22 is tucked under the upper wall in overlying relationship with respect to the main body portion 12.

It will be noted that the ends of the portion 20 are cut at an angle whereby the adjoining ends of the respective frame portions will mate as shown at 32. Tabs 34 are preferably formed integrally with these ends. Each of the tabs includes a portion 36 which is adapted to be inserted into slots 39 formed in the main body portion. A slit 4-0 is formed in each of the portions 36 and the end 41 of each portion 36 is, therefore, adapted to bend over to provide a locking action. The edges 43 of the tabs 34 rest against the surface of the main body portion to assist in holding the frame in its proper position.

FIGURE 3 illustrates one possible alternative form of the invention. The blank 42 illustrated therein includes a main body portion 44 and flap portions 46. The flaps are directly attached to the main body portion, and score lines 48 are provided to facilitate folding of the flaps. The main body portion defines 8 edges, and a flap portion is associated with each of these edges.

As suggested by the form of the invention shown in FIGURE 3, the main body portion may be of any desired shape. Flaps can be associated with each side edge defined by the main body portion; however, it will be obvious that flaps could be excluded from one or more edges. Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide the frame features although this construction provides additional advantages without adding significantly to the cost of the card.

As previously indicated, the construction of this invention can be employed as a greeting card. This provides advantages over the conventional cards in that the recipient, particularly a child, will enjoy drawing with the card.

The nature of the composite figure can be determined by displaying the figure on an envelope holding the card. FIGURE 4 illustrates an arrangement of this type Wherein a FIGURE 50 is displayed on a flap extension 52 of an envelope 54. With this arrangement, the purchaser will know the type of figure which will ultimately be formed when the various portions are drawn. It may be desirable to send this envelope with the figure displayed although in some cases, the sender may wish to surprise the recipient. In the latter situation, it is preferable to display the figure on the extension 52 of the envelope with the extension being separated from the envelope body by means of a perforated line 56. With this feature, the purchaser can determine the nature of the composite drawing and can then tear off the extension before sending the drawing.

It will also be understood that the construction of this invention need not-be employed as a greeting card. Thus, card constructions can be manufactured in accordance with the concepts of this invention solely for amusement purposes. It is also contemplated that the features of this invention could be employed for purposes of educating the user of the cards, for example as drawing aids.

The card constructions can display written material of any kind, particularly when used as greeting cards. In this connection, it will be obvious that addition openings can be employed for purposes of drawing written material in addition to other figures.

FIGURES 5 and 6 illustrate a construction of this type. The construction comprises a front flap 60 which is without stencil openings and which comprises the front face of a greeting card or the like. Various designs and written material may be displayed on this front flap. The interior of the card includes a main body portion 62 and additional flap portions 64. These flap portions all define stencil openings 66 whereby the composite arrangement shown on the main body portion 62 can be achieved. It will be appreciated that the main body portion 62 is blank when the construction is originally received by the user.

It will be understood that various changes and modifications may be made in the foregoing card constructions which provide the characteristics of this invention without departing from the spirit thereof particularly as defined in the following claims.

That which is claimed is:

1. A card construction consisting of a plurality of interconnected sections which are adapted to be disposed in a single plane while in' said interconnected relationship, said sections comprising a main body portion, a plurality of flap portions connected with said main body portion along the edges thereof, means indicating fold lines adjacent said'edges whereby said flap portions are adapted to be successively folded into position in overlying relationship withrespect to said main body portion, and stencil openings in a plurality ofsaid fiapportions whereby figures can be successively drawn on said main body portion as saidfiap portions are successively located in said overlyingrelationship, the'conipleted figures comprising a composite of the figures defined by the respective stencil openings, and wherein said flap portions are adapted to be removed from their connection with said main body portion.

2. A construction'in accordance with claim 1 wherein a flap portion is associated with eachedgeof said main body portion.

3. A construction in accordance with claim lwherein said main body portion is rectangular in shape.

4. The assembly of claim 1 and. further including an envelope for carrying the card construction, said envelope illustrating figures corresponding "to said composite of the figures defined by the respective stencil openings.

5. A construction in accordance with'claim' 4 wherein said envelope includes a portion adapted to'be detached from the main body of the envelope, and wherein said card, and wherein a plurality of additional flap portions are provided with said stencil openings.

8. A construction in accordance with claim 7 wherein at least part of said stencil openings comprise portions of words to be drawn on said main body portion.

9. A card construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said main body portion and flap portions comprise a one-piece blank,-said means indicating fold lines comprising score lines located at a juncture of said flap portions and said, main body portion to facilitate said folding.

10. A card construction comprising a main body portion, a plurality of flap portions. associated with said main body portion along the edges thereof, said flap portions being adapted to be moved into position in overlying relationship with respect to said main body portion, and stencil openings in each of said flap portions whereby figures can be drawn on said main body portion when said flap portions are located in said overlying relationship, the completed figures comprising a composite of the figures defined by the respective stencil openings, said main body portion and flap portions comprising a one-piece blank, and score lines located at the juncture ofsaid flap portions and said main body portion to facilitate folding, said flap portions being adapted to be removed from said main body portion after completion of the figures, and including additional blank portions formed intermediate said flap portions and said main body portion, said additional portions being adapted to be folded into a frame in association with said main body portion after removal of said flap portions.

11. A construction'in accordance with claim 10 wherein said additional blank portions include a first portion along each edge of said main body portion for forming a side wall of said frame, a second portion integral with said first portion adapted to form a front wall of said frame, and a third portion integral with said second portion adapted to be folded under said second portion in overlying relationship with respect to said main body portion.

12. A construction in accordance with claim 11 wherein said second portion defines ends cut at an angle and including locking tabs integral with said ends, and slots defined by said main body portion for receiving said locking tabs for holding said frame. in position.

I References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,201,479 5/1940 Davidson 35-26 2,258,603 10/1941 Forbell 35--26 2,731,748 1/1956 Polay 40l55 EUGENE R. CAPOZIO, Primary Examiner.

W. J. CONTRERAS, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A CARD CONSTRUCTION CONSISTING OF A PLURALITY OF INTERCONNECTED SECTIONS WHICH ARE ADAPTED TO BE DISPOSED IN A SINGLE PLANE WHILE IN SAID INTERCONNECTED RELATIONSHIP, SAID SECTIONS COMPRISING A MAIN BODY PORTION, A PLURALITY OF FLAP PORTIONS CONNECTED WITH SAID MAIN BODY PORTION ALONG THE EDGES THEREOF, MEANS INDICATING FOLD LINES ADJACENT SAID EDGES WHEREBY SAID FLAP PORTIONS ARE ADAPTED TO BE SUCCESSIVELY FOLDED INTO POSITION IN OVERLYING RELATIONSHIP WITH RESPECT TO SAID MAIN BODY PORTION, AND STENCIL OPENINGS IN A PLURALITY OF SAID FLAP PORTIONS WHEREBY FIGURES CAN BE SUCCESSIVELY DRAWN ON SAID MAIN BODY PORTION AS SAID FLAP PORTIONS ARE SUCCESSIVELY LOCATED IN SAID OVERLYING RELATIONSHIP, THE COMPLETED FIGURES COMPRISING A COMPOSITE OF THE FIGURES DEFINED BY THE RESPECTIVE STENCIL OPENINGS, AND WHEREIN SAID FLAP PORTIONS ARE ADAPTED TO BE REMOVED FROM THEIR CONNECTION WITH SAID MAIN BODY PORTION. 